Levy tells Ramos he can spend to survive

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has given boss Juande Ramos the green light to to bring in new signings in January to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle.

Espanyol's Daniel Jarque will be the club's main target as Levy wants his manager to recruit a world-class centre-back to shore up Spurs' leaking defence.

Ramos admitted last week that only 'desperate clubs' buy in the mid-season transfer window, but that was before their 3-2 home capitulation to Birmingham.

Spurs are just one point above the drop zone and Levy is not prepared to take any risks - especially with fresh speculation suggesting they may be the target of a £400million takeover bid.

Tottenham boast the fourth worst defensive record in the Premier League having conceded 28 goals and have badly missed captain Ledley King, who is no closer to a first-team return.

Summer signing Younes Kaboul has struggled to adapt to the English game, while injured duo Ricardo Rocha and Anthony Gardner have underperformed.

Espanyol have already warned Spurs against making a move for highly-rated Jarque last month. Ramos is a big admirer of the 24-year-old and tried to sign him during his time in charge of Sevilla but Espanyol are adamant that they do not want to sell the £10million-rated player.

"We have not received any offers for Jarque, but it is certain that we know of interest from some clubs in the player," an Espanyol spokesman said.

"Now, he is an important member of our team and we are not interested in his sale."

The London club is expected to soon receive another blow, with their appeal against striker Robbie Keane's red card against Birmingham set to be turned down. The Irish international will be banned for three games, but will be back in time for the north London derby against Arsenal.